Made the jump....but, was it the right one?

[chiguy67]

So I went to one of the only stores in the world that carried the plasma (Panny TH-50PX500U) I wanted and they had only a few left and were going quick. The sales guy was gonna giving me a pretty decent price on this sucker and all seemed done. Then, my gal pointed me to the 42 version of the same line and said that one looked the nearly identical yet was going for about a grand less. Dummy me, I let her get to my head and told the sales guy I'd sleep on getting the 50 or the 42 and save a grand.

I went home, did the appropriate measuring of the space and decided the 50 would be more of a home theater than a big tv and set out to snag the 50.

Well...as luck would have it, all the 50's (including the floor model) were taken and no more were to be delivered. I was so pissed at myself for not pulling the trigger and figuring that the few they had couldn't possibly be gobbled up in under 24 hours. Wrong-o!!!

He felt my pain and tried to shuffle me the Samsung and pointed me toward the Pioneer Elites and the Fujitsus....but, I just didn't want to push the envelope that near the 5,000 mark (after taxes and surge box) and hadn't liked what I heard about the Sam.

So...long story short, I went with the TH-42PX500U.

My dilema now is a touch of buyers remorse due to me convincing myself that the 50 was the way to go and now feeling like I *settled* for on the 42.

Can anyone ease my nerves and tell me that the 42 is great system and it won't make that much of difference once I start watching it?

I know the picture is nice and the features are sweet.....but, of course it's not a 50 where all of that would only be accentuated.

I should be excited, right? Why am I not?

I guess this is the one time I should have listened to the salesperson when he said...if you don't do it today, it might be gone tomorrow.

[TheSkeptiks]

If you want the 50" then wait on a 50".

You will have regret since you decided on a 50".

There is nothing wrong with the 42" size, but it is a lot smaller.

Take it back and get the 50" when it comes in.

[Shopping-TVs]

chiguy67: It doens't matter what others say, in the end it all matters what you think and want. Sounds like you want the 50".

[chiguy67]

To be honest...the new 50 isn't quite as sleek as the current/old version. For reasons unbeknownst to me, they went the silver route.

Plus, it'll be in the upper price bracket that I really didn't want to touch.

The current one was already puching the envelope in the $$ arena. Hence, my being a touch gun-shy.

[sdjdguy]

I have to say that I agree with The Skeptiks. If you like the 50" better, do not settle. This is a very expensive purchase and you will kick yourself later for not getting the screen size you really wanted. Only you can decide whether 42" or 50" is better for you, but since you said you had already made that decision, I would definitely wait on a 50" set. I had much the same dilemma as you facing me. Back in January, I bought a 50PX50U at a great price, then realized within two days that the 60U would be available within six weeks to two months. It would be a much better set, and a whole lot cheaper. So, very reluctantly, I sent back the 50U set and waited six weeks for the 60U. I just had it delivered yesterday and I love it. I am SO glad that I stuck it out and waited for what I really wanted. I think you would be too. Maybe either buy the 60U now, or wait another couple weeks for the 600U to become available?

[scotlandcap]

Just another opinion that might hurt: Take it back if you can and get what you really want. Yes, $1,000 is a lot of money. But so is what you paid for the 42"---that set isn't cheap either.

Look at it this way. I assume you will be enjoying this set for at least 5 years, right? That's $200/year more. Less than $1/day for what you really want? After already spending a big chunk for the 42? You are talking about the loose change in your pocket at the end of the day for the next 5 years.

I never use change. I throw all my loose change into a container at the end of the day and start the next day using paper. You would be amazed how much that adds up to after a couple years. A throw in all the 1's also. It really adds up, and you never miss it.

Go for what you want. This is a long term possession that you will use often.

[chiguy67]

Well...this just adds to my confusion.

What if you know you like a certain model (which I did) and not the new version coming out (in this case it's the 600U).

Meaning: Yea, I could cancel my order and wait until the 50PX600U comes out, order it, and not like the silver bezel they're going with.

vs....me really liking the look of the 500U.

Either way....I think I better just start loving my 42 'cause the 50 that was within my grasp is no longer and I got no one to blame but me.

Come on gang...can I get some love for the 42?

[BOSS10L]

Return the 42" and purchase the 50" you covet from an online authorized vendor. There has to be someone around that still has them in stock.

Word to the wise, never let a GF/spouse help you make that decision. Fight like cats and dogs about what you want to do, but you make that decision.

<- coming from someone who knows ;)

[IVB]

Obviously your subconscious is telling you that you need both.

[mrkeeling]

To ad a little gasoline to the fire:
I WANTED 42”, purchased 42” and now I regret not going for 50”. Displays shrink over time, believe me.

As for not liking silver, how about commercial model (that’s what I bought). You can ad whatever is missing (speakers, connections) and still be in the same price range as consumer model.

[slider33]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]Well...this just adds to my confusion.

What if you know you like a certain model (which I did) and not the new version coming out (in this case it's the 600U).

Meaning: Yea, I could cancel my order and wait until the 50PX600U comes out, order it, and not like the silver bezel they're going with.

vs....me really liking the look of the 500U.

Either way....I think I better just start loving my 42 'cause the 50 that was within my grasp is no longer and I got no one to blame but me.

Come on gang...can I get some love for the 42?[/QUOTE]

It just sounds to me like you are trying to justify buying the 42 when in fact it's not what you REALLY want. Personally I have a 42 and would love a 50, but space in my condo does not justify it. You never hear people complain about buying a TV that is too big. If you feel the $1000 you saved is worth the occasional feeling of "I should have done this..." then keep the 42.

[chiguy67]

I'm thinking I may just cancel and wait it out until June for the 600U. I just took a look at it tvauthority and it looks much like the 500 - black w/a touch of silver at the bottom.

JUNE though!!!

[caesar1]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]Well...this just adds to my confusion.

What if you know you like a certain model (which I did) and not the new version coming out (in this case it's the 600U).

Meaning: Yea, I could cancel my order and wait until the 50PX600U comes out, order it, and not like the silver bezel they're going with.

vs....me really liking the look of the 500U.

Either way....I think I better just start loving my 42 'cause the 50 that was within my grasp is no longer and I got no one to blame but me.

Come on gang...can I get some love for the 42?[/QUOTE]

This won't make you feel better, but a 50 inch set is over 40% larger in screen area than a 42 inch set. It is significantly larger --- don't be fooled by the "mere" 8 inches in diagonal measurement.

I once had a link that allowed you to input the screen size and make the comparison -- but I can't find it now.

[chiguy67]

That's a weird stat.

Part of the problem I was having in making the decision was the side-by-side comparo and how they looked so similar in size. But, not in price.

I can see that much of difference between 37 and 50, but not 42.

Plus, not that I think a 50 is too big.....but, for normal viewing at normal distance....it is quite the monster.

[slider33]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]

Plus, not that I think a 50 is too big.....but, for normal viewing at normal distance....it is quite the monster.[/QUOTE]

Well, that is just it... great for movies and sports, maybe not so good for the evening news.

[caesar1]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]That's a weird stat.

Part of the problem I was having in making the decision was the side-by-side comparo and how they looked so similar in size. But, not in price.

I can see that much of difference between 37 and 50, but not 42.

Plus, not that I think a 50 is too big.....but, for normal viewing at normal distance....it is quite the monster.[/QUOTE]


Nah -- they shrink over time. Seriously. When you first get it home it looks huge. Then, as time goes by, you get used to it, and you start wondering if a 50 inch is too small.

There really is some sort of optical illusion in a store, with all the other models around. I agree that I thought, in the store, they didn't look that much different in size (of course they don't put them on top of each other). But in person, in the home, there is a huge difference. Plus the math shows a huge difference as well.

My neighbor has a 42 inch Panasonic plasma. I have the exact same model - -but 50 inches. He came over recently, and called himself an "idiot" for not getting the 50 inch.

[joemama127]

Just console yourself by thinking back a few years ago (not that long really) when were all perfectly happy with 27-36" crt's or possibly a 50-60" rear projection with inferior picture quality. I'm spoiled also but when I think about going from a 32" Sony crt to my 42" Panny plasma I'm ok again. :cool:

[chiguy67]

No doubt....my 37 crt was a beast.

Oddly enough, I thought the 42 was going to be the tv of choice for a long-long time.

Then, they had to go and introduce the 50.

Hell....I don't know why I just don't go and get a 65 and be done w/it.

[caesar1]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]That's a weird stat.

[/QUOTE]

Not so weird -- here's the numbers:

16:9 Screen size 16:9 Total Area in Inches

42 754

50 1068


So there's a difference of 314 in total area size in favor of the 50 inch. That works out to be about 40% difference in size.

Note that 10% of 754 is 75.4
75.4 x 4 = 301.6 (less than the 314 difference). Which means the difference between those numbers is greater than 40%.

A huge difference in viewable area -- and certainly worth it.

[chiguy67]

Not to be picking battles, but, are 42's pretty much worthless?

Compared to a 50, that is.

[caesar1]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]Not to be picking battles, but, are 42's pretty much worthless?

Compared to a 50, that is.[/QUOTE]

Not if:

1. you are constrained by physical limitations as to where they TV itself will be placed

2. you will be viewing the set from closer than roughly 6.5 feet

3. you want a smaller TV for a bedroom, kitchen or some other room where the TV is more incidental to the purpose of the room

4. you are constrained by budgetary limitations, making anything larger than a 42 inch unaffordable.

[BruZZi]

[QUOTE=caesar1]
I once had a link that allowed you to input the screen size and make the comparison -- but I can't find it now.[/QUOTE]
I have the link in the FAQ.

Scroll down to TV screen dimensions calculator:
http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=108

[QUOTE=caesar1]Nah -- they shrink over time. Seriously. When you first get it home it looks huge. Then, as time goes by, you get used to it, and you start wondering if a 50 inch is too small.
.[/QUOTE]
Agreed. ;)

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[chiguy67]

Bruzzi -

You seem to be the Panny officianado around these parts. What's your take on the set I picked up?

Thanx.

[BruZZi]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]Bruzzi -

You seem to be the Panny officianado around these parts. What's your take on the set I picked up?

Thanx.[/QUOTE]


Size: IMO you should get the biggest size possible ... always !!!
But It's up to you to decide what is big/small to your setup and/or eyes. ;)

50/500: Not being able to adjust overscan (still don't have a definitive confirmation if It's possible or not ) on this Models is a big NO-NO for me. Hopefully the new 60/600 series will allow that.
But it won't be an issue for many people. :D

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Jim Hef]

Did you compare the 50/500 series to the 60/600 series pictures on Bruzzi's website? I think the new models look great, and a bit more refined:

http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=99

I too feel you should hold out for the new 50" display! 50" sets have a true 16:9 pixel ratio, and fit the HD standard, which 42" sets do not.

[johnsojs]

Is there any noticeable difference in picture quality between the two?...On HD or SD? Seems that the bigger screen might be a tad less sharp. And what is optimal viewing distance for a 50 opposed to a 42?

[coreman]

What you aren't considering is the extra grand you have in your pocket...enjoy the 42 for this year, invest the grand in oil company stocks, and next year really treat yourself and get a fully loaded 60 for the same price as this years 42...and hang the 42 in your bedroom to remind your wife of her terrible mistake...

[optivity]

[QUOTE=coreman]hang the 42 in your bedroom to remind your wife of her terrible mistake...[/QUOTE]I wouldn't go there... take her out to dinner & convince her that a 50" display is better. I purchased a 50" PDP and wish I had a 65" plasma TV instead, home entertainment displays are one area where BIGGER is better.

[Dominus]

[QUOTE=TheSkeptiks]If you want the 50" then wait on a 50".

You will have regret since you decided on a 50".

There is nothing wrong with the 42" size, but it is a lot smaller.

Take it back and get the 50" when it comes in.[/QUOTE]

Totally agree. You'll kick yourself every time you watch the 42.

[Dominus]

[QUOTE=chiguy67]Well...this just adds to my confusion.

What if you know you like a certain model (which I did) and not the new version coming out (in this case it's the 600U).

Meaning: Yea, I could cancel my order and wait until the 50PX600U comes out, order it, and not like the silver bezel they're going with.

vs....me really liking the look of the 500U.

Either way....I think I better just start loving my 42 'cause the 50 that was within my grasp is no longer and I got no one to blame but me.

Come on gang...can I get some love for the 42?[/QUOTE]

Nope

[chiguy67]

Alright....you people should work in sales.

I just cancelled the 42 and am officially on the wait list for the 60U. Apparently, it'll be in sometime in April.

Amazingly enough, this sucker is only 50 bucks more than the 42.

I would have never used the PIP in the 42, won't be hooking it up to a pc, and am getting more screen.

Thanks gang. I feel soooooo much better.

[NYYFAN]

You always should follow your gut...looks like you finally did...